Earlier this month, we reported that YouTube Music will be introducing podcasts support very soon. Well, that “soon” is now, as sources have discovered strings of code that show the Podcasts support is rolling out and even with some other features.
Kai Chuk, YouTube’s Podcast Lead, made the formal announcement – Podcasts is coming to YouTube Music – today at the “Hot Pod Conference,” which was held in Brooklyn as part of On Air Fest. Even though it is amazing to announce that “Podcasts is coming to YouTube Music”, the specific date for the rollout was not obtained – the brand left it at “in the near future”.
The revelation was announced via a tweet by SquadCast.fm’s Arielle Nissenblatt, who also provided some early details about how the functionality would operate, such as the fact that YouTube Music would broadcast podcasts even if the user’s screen was closed – earlier reports.
Codes with YouTube Music podcasts support and other features
Podcasts support will be available on YouTube Music “soon” in the United States. In the meanwhile, YouTube is providing essential assistance for Creators in YouTube Studio, such as categorizing playlists as programs. Podcast episodes, like music, will be able to be added to your queue or played next:
“<string
name=”add_to_queue_toast_episode”> Episode added to queue</string>
<string
name=”play_next_toast_episode”>Epis ode will play next</string>”
In settings, you’ll have the option to “Switch podcast videos to audio-only versions of episodes when available.” This “Don’t play podcast videos” option complements the existing “Don’t play music videos.” Podcasts will display in the Library tab, among downloaded music and episodes:
“<string
name=”library_episodes_shelf_title”>Episodes</string>
<string
name=”offline_podcasts_shelf_title”>Podcasts</string>
<string
name=”offline_episodes_detail_page_ti tle”>Downloaded Episodes</string>
<string
name=”offline_downloads_tracks_and_ episodes_empty_state_text”>Music and podcasts you download will appear here</string> “
That side-by-side nature will also apply to search, with YouTube updating the “Search songs, albums, and artists” hint to “Search songs, artists, podcasts.” Finally, the sleep timer will allow for multi-hour countdowns to help you get through long shows:
“<string name=”sleep_timer”>Sleep timer</string>
<string
name=”sleep_timer_hours_and_minute s_left”>Sleep timer \u2022 %1$s %2$s left</string> “
